The action at Formula 1’s British Grand Prix was a “perfect demonstration” of the sport’s new-for-2022 cars, according to managing director of motorsports Ross Brawn.
Formula 1 spent several years defining overhauled technical regulations in a bid to enhance the quality and quantity of racing.
Last weekend’s race at Silverstone featured several sequences of enthralling racing, most notably the battle for second after the Safety Car period, with Sergio Perez, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton scrapping for the podium positions.
“This year’s race at Silverstone was a classic – and a perfect demonstration of what the sport was trying to achieve with these revolutionary new racing cars,” Brawn noted, writing in a post-race column.
“What pleased me was the precision the drivers could have with the cars. We saw countless fascinating battles that went for several corners, with multiple changes of position.
“We saw drivers were able to take multiple lines with these new cars – and that allowed for two, three or even four cars going almost side-by-side.
“The quality of the passes was high, too. Drivers really had to work to get a move done – it wasn’t simply a case of using DRS to fly by.”
Brawn added that drivers have provided “very positive” feedback over the 2022 cars and “have all appreciated the change and the newfound ability to get up close to other cars.”
“Many of them have qualified that while it doesn’t always lead to straightforward overtaking, the chance to sit on the tail and pressurise and try and force a mistake is significantly improved.
“I don’t think there has been a single driver who has not acknowledged or been enthused by that.
“The frequency where cars are following for consecutive laps and challenging for consecutive laps is much better this year than in previous years.
“What it demonstrates is the direction F1 and the FIA have gone in is absolutely the right direction to follow, and the sport can go forward with renewed confidence that this approach is what is needed for the future. It must always be a significant factor in the design and modification of these cars.”
